Waikato Business News December 2017/January 2018

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10 WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS December 2017/January 2018 From the editor Welcome to the last Waikato Business News of 2017. This month, befitting the celebratory nature of December, there’s a bit of an alcohol theme to the edition. We celebrate a massive Waikato success story that many of us will have tasted the product of at some stage – Good George Brewery. It may come as a surprise to readers just how much the brewery has expanded from its base in Somerset Street, Frankton, taking in a number of properties around it to deal with its exponential growth. Over the last six years the brewery has gone from producing 1000 litres of craft beer to approaching 1.2 million litres of beverages. Along with its range of craft beers Good George is also now the country’s biggest independent brewer of ciders. With around 250 staff, Good George is enjoying 50 percent year-on-year sales growth. Furthermore, chief executive Race Louden has ambitious plans for the brewery’s future. Meanwhile at the other end of the scale, another Waikato business, Bottle Service has just launched, aiming to educate New Zealanders about wine. Kiran King and Kelly Maguire’s website-based delivery service provides customers with different handpicked selections each month, complete with notes, slowly widening repertoires and educating the palate. There is surely a good market here as how many of us wish we understood our wines better but lack the time to do the research? It’s a fantastic idea and Waikato Business News will keep tabs on Bottle Service’s progress. I want to take this opportunity to thank our stable of columnists whose expertise this publication depends on. You are all busy people so thank you for going the extra mile to contribute. 2017 has been a stunning year for Waikato business. Despite a few election-related wobbles, with the amount of growth going on around the region, we are confident the momentum will continue throughout next year. I have a special request to business owners throughout Waikato. If you are sailing just beneath the radar and your story hasn’t been told, let us know. We want to hear from you. In the meantime, have a well earned break and a very merry Christmas. Geoff Taylor Editor MONTHLY POLL Vote and win Sponsored by the Helm Bar and Kitchen This month’s poll There are suggestions that confidence in the economy has stuttered a little since the September election. Waikato Business News wants to know your take on where the economy is heading. Are you feeling confident going into next year? Vote on the WBN website (www.wbn.co.nz) and fill in the entry form to be in to win a meal voucher for two at The Helm Bar & Kitchen. Voting closes Wednesday January 24. Last month’s results Should Waikato introduce a fuel tax? The prospect of a regional fuel tax in Waikato to take the load off ratepayers forking out for roads hasn’t hit the mark with Waikato Business News readers. Only 38 percent supported the idea and 62 percent were against. Hamilton City Council has recently approached the Government to look at introducing a fuel tax, just as has been agreed for Auckland. Hamilton’s present budget for transport spending over the next 10 years is more than $100 million which will be shouldered by ratepayers. 38% 62% 62% 38% Will 2018 be: A. Better for your business? B. Worse for your business? C. About the same? Cast your vote at: www.wbn.co.nz WINNER OF THE HELM DINNER VOUCHER IS: Nobushige Tomii No Yes
WAIKATO BUSINESS NEWS December 2017/January 2018 11 Villa Dental will pay $20 towards your fuel costs Travel in Waikato Terms & conditions apply*
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Waikato Business News December 2017/January 2018

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